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- Tasks: Assist in procuring materials and services for construction projects while ensuring ethical sourcing.
- Company: Join Barhale, a leading civil engineering firm with over 40 years of experience and family values.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, 25 days leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a team driving social impact and sustainability in major infrastructure projects.
- Qualifications: Relevant experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and excellent communication abilities required.
- Other info: Gold Investors in People company with a commitment to employee development and well-being.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 ÂŁ per year.
Assistant Buyer – Walsall, West Midlands, WS1 4NN
Who are Barhale?
Barhale is a business founded on family values, having been established by our Chairman, Dennis Curran, in 1980. We are one of the largest privately owned civil engineering and infrastructure specialists in the UK, with over 40 years of experience in providing design, civil engineering and maintenance services working across multiple sectors including:
- Water
- Transport
- Built environment
- Energy
We operate as a tier one partner for blue chip, regulated and private clients, working as part of large frameworks, joint ventures and alliances, as well as on individual standalone projects, developing long-term relationships based on delivering to the Barhale values, which have been integral to our business since their inception in 1985.
Our direct delivery model is at the core of everything we do, as we believe that people are our greatest asset. Therefore, we robustly source, train and retain all our frontline delivery teams as well as management and support services. We employ over 1,200 employees nationwide.
We possess a range of specialist skills to support our civil engineering and infrastructure activities, including:
- Tunnelling
- MEICA
- Temporary and permanent design
- Steel-fabrication
- Signs (design and fabrication)
- Health & safety equipment and products, including PPE
Company Website:
Company Showcase Video:
Why join Barhale?
- As Gold Investors in People, we are committed to a high standard of people practices, creating an inclusive environment and ensuring cultural alignment to our business strategy, ethos and philosophies.
- Job security, long-term secured work through various frameworks and large infrastructure schemes
- A broad range of civil engineering and mechanical and electrical schemes across some of the UK’s largest infrastructure projects and clients
- Strong career progression as demonstrated by our track record in promoting from within, as we believe this is a key driver to our success
- Skills Development and Training
Assistant Buyer
The Role
As an assistant buyer, you will be responsible for providing our nationwide delivery teams with a company-compliant professional material supply service whilst working with and supporting other business needs.
You will be communicating with internal business units, external suppliers, trade bodies and associations to achieve the best value on goods and services whilst being mindful of where materials are coming from within the supply chain, and ensuring the company continues to source ethically and sustainably.
The successful candidate will be joining a team which is at the forefront of developing the company’s Social Impact and Sustainability objectives, giving you a great opportunity to play a key role in enforcing those goals.
Key Responsibilities:
Buying Tasks
- Procuring construction materials and related services across all operational sectors.
- Carrying out supplier selection, evaluating quotations, and negotiating prices and logistics.
- Proactively identifying market trends, product and industry developments and supply chain innovations through the engagement of external partners, leading as directed by the Procurement Manager on any specific commodity or category.
- Providing commercial assistance on the contracts you are procuring for.
- Liaising with sites and supply chain partners, developing relationships to ensure a planned “right-first-time” service is provided regarding safety, quality, programme, commercial aspects, and overall best value.
- Working with and supporting internal business needs regarding commercial and product awareness at all stages of the construction process, ensuring that we jointly deliver major programme requirements.
- Ensuring continuous communication with other team members to review contract progress and address associated issues immediately.
- Maintaining full knowledge and understanding of purchasing strategy and processes to ensure a professional and auditable procurement contract is in place.
Accountabilities
- Operating within financial governance levels
- Managing work priorities and maximising efficiencies
- Maintaining positive supplier relationships
- Adherence to procurement procedures
Administrative responsibilities
- Maintenance and upkeep of order and supply chain records utilising the company’s purchase order system and procedures.
- Providing reports, data, and other material identified by the Procurement Manager relating to the department and whole business requirements, including KPIs.
- Submitting detailed analysis to procurement and project teams for approval in line with governance.
Key measures & targets:
- To provide evidence of best value regarding procurement, which may include commercial betterment, quality, and efficiency.
- To evidence supply chain engagement, including performance management under company objectives.
Key relationships:
- Procurement Manager / Supply Chain Manager / Senior Buyer / External Hire Desk Manager, and all levels of procurement personnel in both the central and regional teams
- All internal departments, including site operations, HSEQ, estimating, accounts and business development.
- External supply chain partners
Essential
- Relevant experience in a similar role, ideally within the Rail or construction/engineering industry
- Experienced negotiator, with the ability to establish long-term relationships and an engaged, collaborative supply chain
- Demonstrable commercial awareness, with the ability to control and monitor budgets
- Finely tuned communication skills regarding engaging with external and internal parties, including a confident and professional telephone manner
- Excellent computer literacy with experience using Microsoft Office packages
- In-house purchasing systems.
- Ability to cope with a demanding, fast-paced environment, ensuring deadlines are met
- Ability to make decisions using own initiative and work as part of a team
Desireable
- CIPS qualification or working towards CIPS
- Relevant degree or equivalent/or qualified by experience (QBE)
- A full UK driving licence
Caring and investing in you
Our values have been embedded at Barhale for over 40 years, and they are our guiding principles regarding how we care and invest in people. Our values are our commitment to being a people-centric company.
As a Gold Investors in People company and a Sunday Times 100 Best Company to Work For, we are committed to investing in people. We are passionate about creating a working environment where people are supported throughout their careers, where people can enjoy security and be part of a company that cares about them.
From the moment you join us, your well-being and career aspirations will be supported by;
- Competitive salary
- Company Pension
- Life Assurance
- Private Medical
- Profit share scheme
- 25 days of annual leave in addition to 8 public bank holidays and loyalty days
- 8 hours leave of absence for volunteering
- Employee Assistance Programme to support your mental, physiological and financial wellbeing
- Flexible benefits via salary sacrifice
- Company car/green car scheme/car allowance/Van (dependent on position)
- Leadership & management training and coaching
- Regular line management engagement and appraisal to support your career progression
- Development supported by internal and externally delivered training
- Flexible working arrangements
- Annual salary review
- Continuous service awards
Would you like to know more?
Please contact our Recruitment team via
Assistant Buyer - Walsall, West Midlands, WS1 4NN employer: Barhale
Contact Detail:
Barhale Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer - Walsall, West Midlands, WS1 4NN
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Barhale's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to sustainability and social impact will help you align your responses during interviews, showcasing how your personal values resonate with theirs.
✨Tip Number 2
Network within the civil engineering and construction sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with professionals who may provide insights or referrals that could enhance your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your negotiation skills in detail. Since the role involves supplier selection and price negotiations, think of specific examples where you've successfully navigated similar situations in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Research current market trends in the construction materials sector. Being knowledgeable about recent developments can demonstrate your proactive approach and commercial awareness during discussions with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Buyer - Walsall, West Midlands, WS1 4NN
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement, especially within the construction or engineering sectors. Emphasise your negotiation skills and any experience with supplier relationships.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of Barhale's values and how your skills align with their mission. Mention your commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability, as these are key aspects of the role.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your computer literacy, communication skills, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed budgets and supplier relationships.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Barhale
✨Research Barhale's Values
Before your interview, take some time to understand Barhale's core values and how they influence their operations. Being able to discuss these values and how they align with your own will show that you're a good cultural fit for the company.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions that assess your past experiences and how they relate to the role of Assistant Buyer. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, focusing on examples that highlight your negotiation skills and ability to build relationships.
✨Showcase Your Industry Knowledge
Demonstrate your understanding of the construction and engineering sectors, particularly in relation to procurement. Be prepared to discuss current market trends and how they might impact Barhale's supply chain strategies.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewers. This could include inquiries about the company's approach to sustainability or how they support career progression within the procurement team. It shows your genuine interest in the role and the company.
